Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Tennessee College Selects Designers for $72M Renovation Project

  • By Matt Jones
  • 10/10/24

Tennessee College of Applied Tech Memphis (TCAT Memphis) in Memphis, Tenn., recently announced that it has approved documents from DLR Group and 4FDesign for an upcoming multi-phased renovation project, a news release reports. DLR Group previously completed the college’s 2020 TCAT Statewide Master Plan Update. The project will cost an estimated $72 million, an allocation from state governor Bill Lee’s “Tennessee: Leading the Nation Agenda” initiative providing a $1-billion investment in technology colleges.

The campus replacement project will take place across multiple phases, according to the news release. An existing 115,000-square-foot building will be replaced with a new construction of 85,000 square feet. The project also involves building a new 35,000-square-foot one-story high-bay lab and classroom structure and the renovation of two existing buildings, as well as improvements to site development, parking areas, drives, and infrastructure.

“Embarking on this multi-phased renovation project for TCAT Memphis is an opportunity to lead the community in health and science pathways and increase visibility around TBR’s [the Tennessee Board of Regents’] initiatives,” said Benjamin R. Strain, AIA, LEED AP, Principal and Higher Education Design Leader at DLR Group. “The first phase of the campus replacement project will shine a beacon on TCAT Memphis.”

DLR Group will serve as the Design Architect and 4FDesign the Architect of Record. The project is currently in the Construction Documentation (CD) process.

“With 40 years of experience working on TBR and State of TN projects, 4FDesign brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to every project,” said Curt Pierce, AIA NCARB, LAI, ULI, 4FDesign Vice President and Principal. “TCAT Memphis is a moment for 4FDesign to ensure the college and Tennessee state keeps pace with career-fueled economies by revitalizing its Career Technical Education (CTE) program with new construction.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Campus Safety Requires Using Every Resource Available

    Across the U.S., school and campus leaders are facing a security landscape that has changed dramatically over the past decade. Incidents on school property have increased in recent years, with several consecutive years setting record totals. According to analysis of data by CNN, dozens of shootings now occur on school grounds annually across K-12 and higher education environments.

  • Higher Ed is Betting on New Buildings While Quietly Undermining Their Campuses — Here’s Why

    In this climate, the owner’s representative has changed from a delivery-focused advisor to a strategic campus partner. Institutions are increasingly relying on owner’s reps not just to manage, cope, schedule, and budget, but also help evaluate whether a project should proceed at all.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • Health & Science Building

    Health & Science Building

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The College of Western Idaho's Health & Science Building has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.